During Monday’s press conference from Houston’s NBA home of Toyota Center, newly drafted rookie Amen Thompson (No. 4 pick in the 2023 first round) offered perspective on joining the Rockets along with expectations for his rookie season of 2023-24 and beyond.
Thompson took the stage alongside head coach Ime Udoka, general manager Rafael Stone, and fellow rookie Cam Whitmore (the No. 20 pick). To say the last, Thompson seemed to be enjoying the scene.
“I can bring leadership, defense, intangibles, being a good locker room guy… these things I can bring to the team immediately,” said Thompson, who declared that he was exicted to be a Rocket.
Eventually, though, he has higher goals.
“Hopefully a lot of championships,” Thompson said when asked what he wants his NBA career to look like. “A winning player. Someone who will do anything for his team. Some MVPs [Most Valuable Player], some DPOYs [Defensive Player of the Year].”
Here’s a roundup of key takeaways that Thompson told reporters. With Whitmore and Thompson leading the way, Houston’s 2023 summer league roster begins play on Friday, July 7, in Las Vegas.